Fairytale Market at Grunewald Lodge

On December 5th and 6th, 2026, the Fairytale Christmas Market at Grunewald Hunting Lodge opens its castle courtyard by Lake Grunewald for two days. The Renaissance castle from 1542 is Berlin's oldest preserved castle building, and living fairytale characters wander among the stalls. Admission costs 3.50 Euros and includes a visit to the castle.

The Fairytale Christmas Market at Grunewald Hunting Lodge in the Forest by Lake Grunewald

No tram or bus leads directly to Grunewald Hunting Lodge. From Clayallee, a cobbled path leads almost straight through the forest until the trees open up, revealing the white building on the shore of Lake Grunewald. Elector Joachim II had it built in 1542; it is Berlin’s oldest preserved castle building and today houses the city’s largest Cranach collection. The Fairytale Christmas Market at Grunewald Hunting Lodge takes place in the inner courtyard between the wings, a manageable area with a few dozen stalls rather than an extensive shanty town. Its location in the forest ensures that it remains quieter here even on a well-attended Advent weekend than at the large markets in the city center, and the approach through the trees is part of the experience. Lake Grunewald is just a few steps behind the castle, so many guests combine their market visit with a walk along the shore or vice versa. Those arriving by car should plan for the few paid parking spaces on Hüttenweg.

Fairytale Characters, Handicrafts, and Night Watchmen in the Castle Courtyard

The market’s trademark is the living fairytale characters moving between the stalls: Mother Hulda, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, and the Frog Prince address guests directly, joined by a storyteller and a brass ensemble in the courtyard. Artisans sell ceramics, jewelry, woodcrafts, and textiles at the stalls; the selection is smaller but more handmade than at large markets. The culinary offerings are hearty, with goose leg, torch skewers over an open fire, Alsatian tarte flambée, and raclette, along with mulled wine, organic mulled wine, hot honey wine, and children’s punch. The admission price includes a visit to the castle, allowing guests to view the Cranach paintings indoors and warm up. Due to its small size, the courtyard can quickly become crowded in good weather. As soon as it gets dark, night watchmen in historical costumes accompany guests back to the parking lots and bus stop, which is particularly convenient for families with small children.